There have been many dark times in history. Knowing how to use botanical medicine undoubtedly helped many to survive when medical help as we know it today was not available. A wonderful body of knowledge (that some dismiss as folk tales similar to myths) has come down to us from centuries of experiment and observation. It's short-sighted to ignore this treasure trove, especially since research and clinical trials continue to substantiate claims of the benefits of many plant substances.
Actually, much of mainstream medicine (something used to prevent or treat maladies) is derived from plants. Quinine, one drug many people know, is an extract of tree bark used to alleviate the symptoms of malaria. All over the world, bark, roots, leaves, fruit, flowers, and berries are used to strengthen, soothe, alleviate, and cure.
During long voyages of exploration on land and especially on sea, men learned that a diet of preserved meats and dried beans lacked nutrients needed for health. Scurvy was a disease that afflicted sailors or arctic travelers. It was discovered that the juice of fresh lemons and limes could prevent this condition or cure it if it were not too advanced. The Royal Navy of Great Britain made citrus fruit a part of the supplies for every ship.
During war time, rose hips (red seed pods) were collected and used as a source of Vitamin C, the nutrient that prevents scurvy. Carrots were fed to fighter pilots to boost their night vision. These were local and renewable sources, as were dandelion greens and other wild foods. Ranchers in the American west used the bark of certain trees to worm their horses. Desert peoples found aloe soothing for the skin and healing for the stomach.
Herbal remedies have never lost favor with country people. Today the market is huge for natural remedies. Some popular western herbs are red raspberry leaves, ginger, chamomile, fenugreek, ginseng, passion flower, and milk thistle. Hundreds more are known and used in Chinese, Indian, Central and South American, and African home remedies.
Every continent and country has its own botanical wonder drugs. Pau d'arco is considered a panacea in South America. Tea tree oil from Australia is used world-wide as an antiseptic and a fungicide. Neem, considered a cure-all in India, is used to fight fungus infections, oral problems, and a multitude of other disorders. Researchers in France discovered the benefits of pine bark and grape seeds. Japan farms chlorella, a single cell algae with proven health-enhancing properties.
Much of our food is vegetation. What we call herbs are simply nutrient rich plants. If food is the best medicine, as the old folks say, it makes sense to eat wisely and know the benefits. Garlic and onions are both food and medicine. Garden produce, eaten fresh and whole, is known to be good for us. A diet of shelf-stable, processed foods is not considered a healthy one.
No one today denies that plants are medicinal. It's good to learn ways in which wild or garden plants can keep us healthy. Knowing the benefits of garlic, fresh berries, and salad herbs brings new meaning to a home garden, and the fields and forests are open to those who want to learn their secrets.
Actually, much of mainstream medicine (something used to prevent or treat maladies) is derived from plants. Quinine, one drug many people know, is an extract of tree bark used to alleviate the symptoms of malaria. All over the world, bark, roots, leaves, fruit, flowers, and berries are used to strengthen, soothe, alleviate, and cure.
During long voyages of exploration on land and especially on sea, men learned that a diet of preserved meats and dried beans lacked nutrients needed for health. Scurvy was a disease that afflicted sailors or arctic travelers. It was discovered that the juice of fresh lemons and limes could prevent this condition or cure it if it were not too advanced. The Royal Navy of Great Britain made citrus fruit a part of the supplies for every ship.
During war time, rose hips (red seed pods) were collected and used as a source of Vitamin C, the nutrient that prevents scurvy. Carrots were fed to fighter pilots to boost their night vision. These were local and renewable sources, as were dandelion greens and other wild foods. Ranchers in the American west used the bark of certain trees to worm their horses. Desert peoples found aloe soothing for the skin and healing for the stomach.
Herbal remedies have never lost favor with country people. Today the market is huge for natural remedies. Some popular western herbs are red raspberry leaves, ginger, chamomile, fenugreek, ginseng, passion flower, and milk thistle. Hundreds more are known and used in Chinese, Indian, Central and South American, and African home remedies.
Every continent and country has its own botanical wonder drugs. Pau d'arco is considered a panacea in South America. Tea tree oil from Australia is used world-wide as an antiseptic and a fungicide. Neem, considered a cure-all in India, is used to fight fungus infections, oral problems, and a multitude of other disorders. Researchers in France discovered the benefits of pine bark and grape seeds. Japan farms chlorella, a single cell algae with proven health-enhancing properties.
Much of our food is vegetation. What we call herbs are simply nutrient rich plants. If food is the best medicine, as the old folks say, it makes sense to eat wisely and know the benefits. Garlic and onions are both food and medicine. Garden produce, eaten fresh and whole, is known to be good for us. A diet of shelf-stable, processed foods is not considered a healthy one.
No one today denies that plants are medicinal. It's good to learn ways in which wild or garden plants can keep us healthy. Knowing the benefits of garlic, fresh berries, and salad herbs brings new meaning to a home garden, and the fields and forests are open to those who want to learn their secrets.
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